Raft races highlight Hija River Kappa Festival

Cool waters of Hija River offer welcome respite from heat to participants of Sunday’s Kappa Festival.

Sunday’s 26th Hija River Kappa Festival is a day of raft races and challenges for men, women and kids, coupled with canoeing, a flea market, experience classes and just plain fun for everyone.

The Hija River Kappa Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies and runs through 7 p.m., presenting family opportunities including dying goods experiences, a fried bread corner, water eco life, the Hija River exhibition, the Kids Flea Market, the canoeing on the river, and at 11 a.m., the Screaming that goes with a costume Kappa competition. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes.

Raft races have different categories with winners receiving prizes.

Raft races begin at 2 p.m. Registration is still possible at (098) 956-2810. The races are time trial competitions for adults, ladies and kids, with winners receiving prizes. Each team is comprised of four people. There’s a ¥1,000 fee for each entry, with exception of kids team entries, which are free. Arm Wrestling Competition is on the festival bill for 5 p.m., with a cooling off in the evening series of activities beginning at 6 p.m.

This free summer festival encourages everyone who enjoys the water to join in the festivities carried out at the Hija River, which flows through Kadena area. It’s a festival children on summer vacation are excited to join. The various events and attractions using waters of the Hija River include the subtle and profound dance by the big snake, which is the guardian deity of Hija River, a dance that will come at the end of the festival. This even provides a reconfirmation of the importance, power and ability of water to induce fear feeling the water of a cold river, the opposite of feeling hot summer on Okinawa.